Thursday, June 6, 2013

Welsh national military museum being considered

The Welsh Minister for Culture and Sport has agreed to consider the establishment of a Welsh National Military Museum following calls from Clwyd West AM Darren Millar.

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Millar said a Welsh National Military Museum would be a fitting tribute to commemorate the rich Welsh heritage in the armed forces and to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Mr Millar, who is chair of the Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces, said: “I very much welcome the fact that the Minister has indicated that he is prepared to consider the establishment of a National Military Museum.

“The UK Government has already established a programme of commemorative events to mark the centenary of the start of the 1914 -18 World War, which resulted in the deaths of 40,000 forces personnel from Wales and it would be great if Ministers in Cardiff Bay could follow this lead.

“There are already a series of smaller military collections across Wales, including in Brecon, Caernarfon, Carmarthen and in Cardiff Castle, but there is no provision for a National Military Museum.

"It is impossible to overstate the massive contribution that our armed forces make to keeping our nation safe, often at great personal risk, and their professionalism and courage sets an example to young people across Wales. It is only right that we should show our appreciation and admiration in every way possible and establishing a National Military Museum would do just that.”